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Dependency: Secrets

Summary: When the Enterprise is sent to check in on a ship that's become strangely unresponsive, they find a missing crew and emotion-sucking aliens. This story is pre-slash of the Spones variety. Makes more sense if you read the prequel 'Dependency'.

Rating: T (for now)

Warnings: Pre-slash. Homosexual kiss. Swearing. Mentions of past (mind) rape.

Disclaimer: If you recognize it, it's not mine. I am not making any money off of this. I wish only to spread joy throughout the world.

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"Vulcan? You want to go to Vulcan? Now?" To say that Kirk was surprised by the request was an understatement of epic proportions. Spock didn't request leave.

"I do not need to depart immediately." Spock assured his captain. "I thought it would be most efficient to wait until we passed the Intrepid on its return to Vulcan in one month's time. I can see no reason that they should oppose my accompanying them."

Kirk furrowed a brow. "Why do you need to go?"

"It is personal."

The strange meter in Kirk's brain passed odd and headed straight for weird. Still, Spock had a right to his privacy. "Okay… How long?"

"I believe a week should be sufficient." The turbolift reached its destination and Kirk contemplated whether he should hold it and maintain privacy. Spock wasn't giving specifics, though and Kirk was too damn tired.

"I'm sure we should be able to get along well enough without you for a week. How will you get back?"

Spock followed Kirk out of the turbolift and towards the officers' quarters. "There is a supplies transport heading to Starbase 6 at approximately the same time. The Enterprise is scheduled to dock there in one month and fourteen days."

Kirk nodded. He didn't want Spock to leave, but the Vulcan wouldn't be asking unless he had to. "I think that should be fine. Barring an emergency, of course. Feel free to contact the Intrepid and confirm."

"Captain." Spock continued, folding his hands behind his back, "I request that Dr. McCoy accompany me to Vulcan."

Kirk turned sharply. His mental strange meter was soaring into the WTF section. "Why?"

"It's personal."

"You've already asked him?"

"Yes."

"And he agreed?" Kirk was baffled. Why would Bones want to go to Vulcan if not for Spock's health? And if Spock wasn't healthy, wouldn't he follow regulation and tell his captain?

Spock's face was unreadable. "Affirmative."

"You're not sick, are you?"

"Negative."

"That changes things." Kirk paused long enough to let Spock talk, but he said nothing. "I can't let both my Chief Medical Officer and my First Officer go gallivanting across the universe without knowing why."

"It is the captain's prerogative." It was the closest Spock would come to calling Kirk stupid.

"Of course, but I have to file your leave, and if the Admiralty asks questions, I won't have any answers. You are two of my most senior officers, and I need you here." Kirk sighed. "You may go by yourself or stay here. But unless you give me a good reason to send you both, the answer is no."

"Understood." Kirk waited a beat to see if Spock would say anything further. He didn't so Kirk bid him farewell and entered his rooms. He slipped off his shoes and slid under the covers, not bothering to change.

That was a weird conversation.

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